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Antifungal Potential of Some Herb Decoctions and Essential Oils on Candida Species
Alexandra Noites1, Bruno Araújo2, Jorge Machado1,3
1Laboratory of Applied Physiology, ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
(1) Background: Candidiasis is a fungal infectious disease caused by opportunistic Candida species. The incidence of candidiasis has improved, due to prolonged antibiotic therapy and an increased number of immunocompromised patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if decoctions and essential oil (EO) of neem (Azadirachta indica, Meliaceae family), coptidis (Coptis chinensis, Ranunculaceae family), magnolia (Magnolia officinalis, Magnoliaceae family), scutellaria (Scutellaria barbata, Lamiaceae family), and the EO of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium, Myrtaceae family), have antifungal activity in vitro against some clinically prevalent species of Candida. (2) Methods: The antifungal activity was studied by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) against five Candida strains. The effect in dimorphic transition of Candida albicans was also evaluated for the two plants with higher antimicrobial behavior. (3) Results: C. chinensis decoction and EO and L. scoparium EO exhibited antifungal activity in Candida spp. In addition to the fact that both C. chinensis decoction and EO proved strong antifungal activity, L. scoparium EO also displayed a relevant inhibitory effect on the dimorphic transition. (4) Conclusions: The results provided support for the potential use of C. chinensis and L. scoparium in the treatment of infections by Candida spp.
Insights
Coptis chinensis and Leptospermum scoparium demonstrated antifungal properties against Candida species in vitro. Coptis chinensis decoction and essential oil, along with Leptospermum scoparium essential oil, show promise for treating candidiasis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology and Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Candidiasis, a fungal infection caused by opportunistic Candida species, is increasing due to factors like prolonged antibiotic use and a rise in immunocompromised individuals.
- This study investigates the antifungal potential of various plant-derived natural products against prevalent Candida species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of decoctions and essential oils (EOs) from neem, coptidis, magnolia, scutellaria, and manuka against clinical Candida species.
- To assess the impact of potent antimicrobial agents on the dimorphic transition of Candida albicans.
Main Methods:
- Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) against five Candida strains.
- Evaluation of the effect on Candida albicans dimorphic transition for the most effective plant extracts.
Main Results:
- Coptis chinensis (decoction and EO) and Leptospermum scoparium (EO) exhibited significant antifungal activity against Candida spp.
- Coptis chinensis extracts demonstrated strong antifungal effects, while Leptospermum scoparium EO also inhibited Candida albicans dimorphic transition.
Conclusions:
- Coptis chinensis and Leptospermum scoparium show potential as natural therapeutic agents for treating Candida infections.
- Further research into these plant extracts could lead to novel treatments for candidiasis.
